Design Dilemma: Modern Wingback Chairs

Who says that wingback chairs are only for Victorian homes? These days, the high-backed chairs that are exquisite for reading and excellent for long chats by the fire, come in a variety of modern shapes that will work just as well in a city loft as in a Victorian country estate. While Hans Wegner’s “Womb” chair is perhaps the most iconic example of the modern wingback chair, we’ve come up with a few other examples that are a little less ubiquitous. Here are a few:

1) Above, the Bergère Chair by the Turkish design firm Auto ban for De La Espada, is available in Black walnut or White Oak with oiled finish. Inspired by the classical French armchair, this chair nevertheless seems to make references to mid-century modernity. The De La Espada factory is located near the Silver Coast in Portugal.

2) The colorful wingback chair above was designed by Carlo Molina for Zanotta and is one of the livelier renditions of the traditional wingback. The black base is actually painted wood. The chair has a steel frame, polyurethane upholstery and features a removable cover.

3) For diehard mid-century modernists, the Jens Risom “Big Chair” with a beautiful walnut frame is available from Ralph Pucci International.

4) Above, the Hush Chair by Naughtone was designed by Kieron Bakewell and features Naughtone’s distinctive, award winning style and high quality finish.

5) Above, the “Take A Line for A Walk” was designed by Alfredo Haberli for Moroso. The deliciously simple chair is a steel frame covered with injected polyurethane foam and polyesterfiber. The chair has a swivel mechanism.

6) Tom Dixon by George Smith has taken the wingback chair to elegant new heights. The chair comes in mohair velvet or wool boucle.

7) Finally, the “Star Trek” chair is part of the Ceccotti collection. Designed by Roberto Lazzeroni, the armchair is made in solid American cherry-wood or American walnut. The seat and headrest is in upholstered curved plywood.

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